Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, April 18, 2012
(LITTLE CINCINNATI) - An Eastern Greene High School senior, who has dreams of becoming a marine biologist, is the 2012 Greene County Lilly Scholar winner.
Nick Schneider, of the Greene County Daily World reports, Jacie Anderson, the daughter of Greg and Mistie Anderson, of rural Bloomfield, was presented the scholarship Monday from members of the Greene County Foundation.
Anderson plans to attend Purdue University at West Lafayette in the fall. She will major in bio-chemistry/animal science.
"I've actually wanted to do marine biology since I was a little kid," she said with a beaming smile. "My mom and I researched and Purdue is so strong in animal science so that is where I want to go."
Anderson got a thrill last week when she was able to participate in a marine biology education trip in Florida through the World Strides program.
She was able to swim with dolphins and manatee as well as participated in a research project during the fun-filled week.
The scholarship pays full tuition and a $900 stipend to an Indiana - public or private - college or university of choice for four years, according to Cam Trampke, who is the executive director of the Greene County Foundation.
The scholarship often times will also provide housing assistance for the recipient, Trampke added.
Anderson, who has a 3.83 non-weighted GPA, ranks seventh in her graduating class of about 90 students.
During her tenure at Eastern Greene, Anderson has been a football team manager, where her dad serves as defensive coordinator. She was named to the Southwestern Indiana Athletic Conference (SWIAC) All-Academic team for football, is a member of National Honor Society, the Poetry Club, Science Club, Students Against Alcohol and Drugs (SAAD), and served as a student tutor as well as a freshman mentor.
For the past two summers, she has served as a counselor for "The Camp," a facility for students with diabetes in Noblesville.
Anderson said she draws her inspiration from her 21-year-old sister Lydia, who suffers from diabetes.
Anderson called Lydia her role model because of her perseverance in the wake of her diabetes.
Anderson is the fifth recipient from Eastern Greene High since the scholarship was established in 1998.
To receive a Lilly Scholarship, students first submit an application that is then reviewed by a committee appointed by the Greene County Foundation.
Applicants are judged on academics, extra-curricular activities as well as volunteer and community service work.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.